Obituary for Joseph R. Sparacino

Joseph Richard Sparacino was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, and came into this world 31 years ago on January 31^st, 1989. 

He was the beloved son to Dr. Richard and Mari Sparacino.  He was a sweet and loving brother to Marissa Sparacino (David Earnest), Serena Dimopoulos (Jason), and Dayna Pielacha (Michael). He was a wonderful brother in law, a fun and patient uncle to Ethan, Luke, Julianna, Nicholas, and Carmela, a great cousin and nephew, and a best friend to so many. He was so very loved.

Joseph grew up in Oro Valley and had a love for Tucson, spending time hiking in the desert, painting the Catalina Mountains, and cheering on the University of Arizona sporting events.  He was a kid at heart and looked with great fondness on what he describes as a magical and happy childhood. 

Joseph attended Immaculate Heart School during his elementary years and graduated from Salpointe Catholic High School in 2007. He played many sports including soccer and football. His Catholic upbringing provided him with a deep faith and a belief in a higher being. He kept a Saint’s medal for protection in his car and rosary beads in his room.  

After high school, he went to NAU where he fell in love with snowboarding. But he missed Tucson and moved back, and later received his associate degree in General Studies and Fire Science from Pima Community College. He worked as a camp counselor and Medical Assistant/EMT for many summers in upstate New York and helped to shape and influence the kids who attended year after year, forming a special bond with so many who have recently reached out to honor him.

Joseph knew he wanted to help people and dreamed of becoming a firefighter. He became a volunteer firefighter with Sonoita Elgin Fire District after a rigorous training program. This turned in to a full-time firefighter/EMT position. His passion was putting out fires and he took beautiful videography documenting his team and himself at work. He was excited when he learned his footage would be used on the local news.  

Joseph dreamed of moving to California after spending many childhood summers in San Diego. He became a volunteer Wildland Firefighter/EMT at the Monte Rio Fire Department in Northern California. He had a joyful time there learning about wines in the region and working with the fire station. He moved back to Tucson when he got a firefighting/EMT position at Drexel Heights Fire Department.

Joseph helped so many people while working at his dream job as a firefighter. His kindness, big heart, and compassion made him well suited to offer support and prayers to families who had lost their loved ones. He would hold their hands and offer enveloping hugs and compassion. He also bravely walked into wildland fires and gave medical assistance to those dying or in pain. There were many heart-wrenching moments, but also some beautiful ones too, including when Joseph helped deliver a baby, one of his proudest professional moments. He still receives a photo on that baby’s birthday seven years later. He accomplished a lot and loved a lot in a short time and for that we are thankful.

His energy and drive to live his best life every day made our lives fuller and happier and he always knew how to turn the dullest moment into a lively and joyful one. It was a gift that he could make the mundane extraordinary. This manifested in a smile he was quick to share and lit up his entire face. 

Joseph loved his family and friends fiercely. He loved traditions and celebrating the holidays. He loved movies and could sing almost every Disney song. He had so many hobbies: from exercise at the gym and outside; to roller coasters, riding one over and over again on a trip to Knott’s Berry Farm; to relaxing by the ocean with family in San Diego and Mexico.

He loved his parents with all his heart and shared a special bond with them, often spending his free time with them. Most recently, he took them fishing at Rose Lake and also taught them techniques for his new painting hobby. 

He was always quick to compliment his sisters and he was loved dearly. He was our family’s memory keeper, recalling hilarious or embarrassing events and astonishing us with his recall. He always let his nephews and nieces climb all over him, twirling them in the air and giving them fun, silly and thoughtful gifts.  He was a best friend to many and made everyone around him feel loved.

Joseph was such a light in our life, we loved him so much, and he will be so greatly missed. We will cherish the beautiful memories we have with him. We will be keeping Joseph alive with these memories and holding him in our hearts forever. Our hero, who will become through us, the legend he always dreamed to be.

Rest our dear angel Joseph, watch over us, smile down on us until we embrace, and see your beautiful smile again.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Joseph’s memory to:  Salpointe Catholic High School Football Team or the Greater Tucson Fire Foundation.